Passengers on a Houston-bound Southwest Airways flight watched in horror Sunday as an engine on the Boeing 737-800 appeared to come back aside mid-flight.
The flight instantly returned to Denver after crew members observed a detachable sheet of steel protecting one of many aircraft’s engines sheared off throughout takeoff.
In a terrifying video posted on X by ABC’s chief transportation reporter Sam Sweeney, the steel engine cowl will be seen whipping within the breeze like paper because it tore free.
In an announcement, the Federal Aviation Administration mentioned part of the plane known as an engine cowling had indifferent and struck one of many aircraft’s wing flaps.
Reached by e mail, a Southwest spokesperson informed The Put up the incident was the results of a “mechanical challenge.”
Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver Worldwide Airport this morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical challenge. Our Clients will arrive at Houston Pastime on one other plane, roughly three hours not on time,” a Southwest spokesperson informed The Put up.
“We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, however place our highest precedence on final Security for our Clients and Workers. Our Upkeep groups are reviewing the plane.”
The aircraft took off from Denver Worldwide Airport round 7:49 a.m. native time, headed for William P. Pastime Airport in Houston.
The aircraft returned to Denver simply 25 minutes later, touching down at 8:14 a.m. earlier than being towed to the gate.
The FAA is presently investigating the incident.
A Boeing spokesperson directed The Put up’s inquiries to Southwest.
